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Have your own version of “Girls Trip”: Top picks for 2018 Essence Festival Lineup

Essence just announced its 2018 lineup for its annual festival in New Orleans, and I can’t help but think it is finally the chance to have my own version of “Girls Trip,” minus the cringeworthy moments.

You can see the full line up for the event here but my must-sees are: Janet Jackson, Mary J Blige, Miguel, Snoop Dogg, Xscape, Blackstreet, Fantasia, DVSN, Daniel Caesar, 112, The Read.

I’ve seen Mary and Miguel live before and they are great. Mary definitely still has her power vocals and who wouldn’t want to hear “Family Affair” live? Miguel always brings his album to life in this crazy, sonic musical journey way so seeing him do that with War and Leisure and older hits would be great.

For great throwbacks, Janet, Snoop, 112, Blackstreet and Xscape are all excellent options. They all have a vast catalog that I would love to see live and I hope it means that all of them will be releasing new music soon, or at least touring.

DVSN and Daniel Caesar are two new acts that I would love to see live. Both of their versions of R&B are so unique it would be great to experience it in concert.

The Read is a podcast that I’m obsessed with and have been wanting to see a live show, so I think its amazing that the festival is adding this in this year.

A free event that I think is definitely worth checking out is the Entertainment All Access Daytime Experience. With the interviews and the meet-and-greets, I think it would a cool way to see celebrities that you love.

You can get tickets here now and check out a playlist for the festival below.